For collectors and customisers, making customizable action figures may be a comforting experience. The Star Wars 6″ Black Series figures are noted for their precise sculpts and high-quality craftsmanship, providing an excellent base for many custom figures. In this blog, we will examine how the 6″ Black Series Imperial Royal Guard and DJ action figure can be combined to make a unique Bounty Hunter figure.
The Concept For This Customization
The first step in customising an action figure is always to develop an idea, this can be influenced by something you have seen on a Facebook group for action figures. Or an Instagram post that another customiser has done.
However, the goal behind this project was to take two very different characters from the Star Wars world and mix their characteristics to create something completely new. The Imperial Royal Guard and DJ figures are extremely detailed, but each has distinct features that may be recycled into a new figure.
The Imperial Royal Guard is well recognised for its ceremonial position in Emperor Palpatine’s service, they have a sleek and intimidating look. Their rich crimson robes and helmets create a stunning look and an awesome-looking 6″ action figure. DJ (the codebreaker from The Last Jedi) has a more utilitarian style and a darker, harsher look. The idea was to combine the Royal Guard’s royal, protecting characteristics with DJ’s rogue and utilitarian traits to create a new kind of Bounty Hunter or pirate action figure customization.
The Breakdown
- Imperial Royal Guard: The Royal Guard physique is suitable for a towering, imposing figure, such as a bounty hunter. The figure’s sculpted elements, such as the detailed armour under his robes and striking helmet, are great for someone who wants to project mystery and fear. However, I will point out that I picked the Pretorian Guards helmet for the final version since it has a more distinctive appearance and is still fresh to the Star Wars universe.
- DJ Figure: DJ’s jacket is an excellent starting point for the more practical aspects of a bounty hunter. His tough appearance, with the elaborate details, gives him the air of a seasoned thief or mercenary. DJ’s overall costume complements the more exquisite elements of the Royal Guard.
Step-by-Step Customization Process
1. Disassembling The Figures
To begin the action figure customization, I started by carefully disassembling the two figures. The arms, head, and torso of each were separated, ensuring that no parts were damaged during the process. This is a crucial step when mixing and matching parts from different figures. Using a hair dryer or warm water can make the joints easier to disassemble, avoiding breakage.
2. Body Assembly
The Imperial Royal Guard’s body was utilised as the foundation since it has unique body armour, ideal for paint applications. However, the arms and jacket from DJ were swapped in, along with an introduction of the Pretorian Guards helmet. DJ’s arms fit nicely onto the Royal Guard torso, thanks to their similar build and proportions. The result was a more agile, flexible body that still carried the stature of the original guard.
3. Head Sculpt
The head was probably the most difficult section. The Imperial Royal Guard helmet is iconic, therefore I opted for something less distinctive. I needed to break away from the ceremonial aspect, thus some changes had to be made to the Pretorian Guards head sculpture. The result was a helmet that still had individual qualities but with a more customizable and functional approach.
4. The Outfit And Accessories
One of DJ’s most notable features is his jacket, which I chose to integrate into the figure’s final design. The added functionality and slightly worn appearance of the DJ’s outfit worked perfectly for the Bounty Hunter theme. I used accessories from an Imperial Sandtrooper T-21 light repeating blaster, to give the character a weapon to fit the mercenary style.
5. Painting And Detailing
Once the physical assembly was complete, I turned my attention to detailing. I gave the figure a custom paint job, enhancing the textures of the outfit with metallic accents and slight weathering to give it a more rugged, battle-worn look. The helmet was also touched up with subtle gold highlights and black blemishes to reflect its new purpose as a Bounty Hunter’s gear rather than ceremonial attire.
The Result
The final custom Bounty Hunter figure mixes the beauty of the Imperial Royal Guard with DJ’s rough, rogue aspects, creating a character that feels at home in the Star Wars universe while being distinct. The new customized action figure has a tremendous presence, with the intimidating size of the Royal Guard and the variety of DJ’s attire. Whether this Bounty Hunter is wandering the Outer Rim, hunting down targets for the highest bidder or dabbling in piracy, it exemplifies imaginative customisation.
My Conclusion
I believe that customising action figures allows you to express your creativity while also exploring new concepts in a familiar setting.
By combining parts from two unique Star Wars Black Series figures, the Imperial Royal Guard and DJ; it is possible to create a brand-new character that stands out while still fitting smoothly into the Star Wars universe. So, whether you are an experienced customizer or just starting, a project like this shows that with the right tools, a little imagination, and time, any Star Wars figure can be made into something special.